Mandalay is an important city historically and also a centre of culture in Myanmar. It is named after Mandalay Hill, the sacred mountain which is, in itself, a major landmark. Many of the top attractions here are pagodas and temple complexes, ranging in time of construction from the 1^st to the 19^th centuries. Also of importance here are the reconstructed Royal Palace and Mandalay Fort, both originally built by the order of King Mindon in the mid-19^th century.

Kuthodaw Paya
This temple complex is located at the base of Mandalay Hill, and is home to the world’s largest book. Built by King Mindon in the early part of the 19^th century, the main pagoda is encircled by white stupas that contain the entire Tripitaka text, the most sacred book in Theravada Buddhism.

Maha Myat Muni Paya
Outside of Yangon, this is Myanmar’s holiest pilgrimage site. It boasts a Buddha statue that was brought from Rakhine state in 1784, during the reign of King Bodaw Paya. A ceremony is held each morning, during which the face of the image is washed and polished.

Mandalay Fort
The fort was built by the order of King Mindon in 1860, when the capital was moved from Amarapura to Mandalay, as a means of guarding the wooden palace. Situated beside Mandalay Hill, the fort features walls that are eight metres thick and a watchtower at each corner. Sections of the fort are still used for military purposes today.

Pahtodawgyi Pagoda
Standing just outside the walls of the old city, this stunning pagoda is one of Mandalay’s most significant historical structures, dating to 1820. The pagoda’s lower terraces feature slabs of marble bearing depictions of important scenes from the Jataka, literary works concerning the previous lives of the Buddha. Inside the temple, you can see an inscription stone that details the history of the temple’s construction.

Royal Palace
The palace is actually a walled city located within the city of Mandalay. King Mindon ordered that the palace be built in 1861, in order to fulfil a prophecy of the Buddha. During WWII, many sections of the palace were destroyed, but it was rebuilt at the end of the war. The Royal Palace is one of the city’s top attractions, boasting a number of exquisite pavilions and a museum where you’ll see models of several of the original palace buildings.

Shwe Kyi Myin Paya
Located in the heart of Mandalay, this impressive structure was built by Prince Min Shin Saw of Bagan in the 1^st century AD. The pagoda’s style is unique and it has never been renovated, meaning the pagoda’s appearance today is just as it was when it was originally completed. There are a number of images here that were made from precious metals recovered from ruined temples in the Mandalay area.

U Bein Bridge
A highlight of the former royal city of Amarapura is the U Bein Bridge, which is the longest expanse of teak in the world, at three-fourths of a mile long. The bridge connects Amarapura with a small, traditional Burmese village, where you’ll feel that you’ve taken a step back in time. If you take the time to wander through the village’s side streets and wait for the sunset, you’ll be well-rewarded.

Climb to the top of Mandalay Hill. A climb to the top of this major city landmark is in order for the breathtaking views from the summit. According to Buddhist tradition, the Lord Buddha prophesied that an important Buddhist centre would develop at the base of the hill, and Mandalay Hill is still considered a holy site today. At the top, you’ll find shops where you can buy refreshments and souvenirs.

Cool off at Maymyo hill station. About two hours by car from Mandalay, this one-time British hill station makes for a nice change of scenery and provides relief from the heat and dust of the city. The main attractions here include a Chinese Buddhist temple, Kandawgyi National Park and Pwe Kyauk Waterfall.

Take a relaxing river cruise along the Irrawaddy. If you’d like to see the scenery and people of this part of Myanmar from the river, you might enjoy taking one of the cruises that make the trip from Mandalay to Bagan. The river plays an important part in the daily lives of people here, and you’ll see them at work and play on your way to Bagan. Departures for the day-long trip usually leave Mandalay early in the morning and arrive in Bagan in the afternoon.

Travel to Mingun by boat. It’s possible to visit Mingun on a daytrip, with the trip by boat only taking about 45 minutes from Mandalay. The unfinished temple based at Mingun Paya would have been the world’s largest temple if it had been completed. If you’d like to take in views of the area, you’ll need to make the climb to the top. Also, while you’re here, a stop at the enormous Mingun Bell is a must. This is believed to be the largest hanging bell in the world, and was cast in 1790.

Visit Amarapura. Located around six miles from Mandalay, Amarapura was the capital of the Konbaung dynasty in the late 18^th century. Today it is a small, attractive town featuring a few attractions of note, such as the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, Mahagandayone Monastery and the unique U Bein Bridge.

Watch a cultural show. Folk and classical pwe shows that combine drama, dance and music are staged regularly in Mandalay. Traditional Burmese musical instruments are played, accompanying the acting and dancing. There are several venues where performances can be seen. One option is the Moustache Brothers Troupe on 39^th street; their vaudeville-style performances are well-known and often include slapstick comedy and political satire.